Natural Products

Black Radish

Raphanus sativus var. niger

Efficacy

• Indications with proven efficacy:
  None
• Indications with possible, but poorly documented efficacy - the use of this product cannot be recommended:
  Peptic disorders involving bile duct motility conditions
• Also used for these other indications, but with no proof of efficacy:
  Cold
  Cough
  Inflammation of the mouth and pharynx
  Inflammation of upper respiratory tract
  Loss of appetite
  Tendency towards infections

Security

• Risk of Drug Interactions: Low
• Adverse Effects: Not Frequent

What is it?

The edible root of this well-known plant is used for its medicinal value. The root appears to stimulate secretions in the upper digestive tract, promotes motility and stimulates bile flow. It also seems to have antimicrobial effects. Its medicinal properties are attributed to the plant's glycosides and essential oils.

Warning

In 2004, Canada adopted new regulations that control the manufacturing, packaging, labeling and importing of natural health products. The new regulations also include an adverse reaction reporting system. Products that conform to the regulation's criteria are identified with a natural product number (NPN) or homeopathic medicine number (DIN-HM) and can be legally sold in Canada. This number indicates that the product meets specific criteria for safety and purity, not that it is effective for any indication.

Medicinal plants content varies naturally from plant to plant – just as fruits from the same package may vary in taste and texture. There is no standard to measure the active content of each plant. Thus, efficacy of natural products should be expected to vary from brand to brand as well as from bottle to bottle of the same brand.

For more information about the Natural Health Products Regulations, or to check if a product has been assessed, visit the Health Canada website at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/index-eng.php.

Does it work?

There is evidence that black radish effectively relieves upper respiratory tract inflammation and peptic disorders associated with poor motility of the bile ducts:

• Upper respiratory tract inflammation
  Peptic disorders associated with poor motility of the bile ducts :
  a half tablespoon of pressed root juice, several times a day, up to 50 to 100 mL per day.

There is insufficient reliable information to conclude that black radish is effective in any other indication.

Is it safe?

• Black radish is not associated with any specific toxicity. Large amounts may cause an irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Since there is no safety data available concerning its use during pregnancy and breast-feeding, pregnant and lactating women should not take black radish.
• There are no known drug interactions. However, black radish is contraindicated in people with gallstones (cholelithiasis).

Clinical notes

• Black radish has been found effective to treat specific conditions and is not associated with any limiting toxicity.

References

1. Blumethal M et al. The Complete German Commission E monographs, 1998
2. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Therapeutic Research Faculty, 2007
3. Passeportsanté.net. Radis noir. http://www.passeportsante.net